Michael Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and enrich his allies, with Michael McClain serving as his agent. Madigan’s trial is the latest chapter in the blockbuster federal investigation of his once-vaunted 13th Ward political operation, a probe that helped put an end to his record run as both the leader of the House and the state Democratic Party.
Week six of ex-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s corruption trial concluded Thursday with Fidel Marquez, once energy company ComEd’s vice president for governmental and external affairs, leaving the witness stand after several rounds of direct and cross-examination.
Marquez had spent nearly six days on the stand since prosecutors first called him last Tuesday afternoon. He broke down for jurors how he said ComEd insiders worked to keep Madigan happy between 2011 and 2019. Madigan was speaker of the Illinois House at the time, and had a great deal of influence over the flow of legislation in the legislature. Continue reading…